Rohit Shishodia
The Indian Health Ministry has approved a quota for selection and nomination of candidates from ‘Wards of Covid Warriors’ under Central Pool MBBS/BDS seats for the academic year 2020-21.

5 Central Pool MBBS seats have been reserved for this category for the year 2020-21.

The selection of candidates will be made by the Medical Council Committee (MCC) through online application on the basis of rank obtained in the NEET-2020 conducted by National Testing Agency.

Digitally announcing the move on November 19, 2020, Union Health Minister Dr Harsh Vardhan said that this aims to dignify and honour the noble contribution made by the Covid Warriors in treatment and management of Covid patients.

“This will honour the solemn sacrifice of all Covid warriors who served with selfless dedication for the cause of duty and humanity”, he added.

According to a ministry press note, Central Pool MBBS seats may be allocated for selection and nominations of the candidates from amongst the wards of “Covid Warriors”, who have lost life due to Covid 19; or died accidently on account of Covid 19 related duty.

The Minister said, “Covid warriors are all public healthcare providers including community health workers, who may have to be in direct contact and care of Covid-19 patients and who may be at risk of being impacted by this.”

“Private hospital staff and retired/volunteer/ local urban bodies/ contracted/ daily wage/ ad-hoc/ outsourced staff requisitioned by States/ Central hospitals/ autonomous hospitals of Central/ States/UTs, AIIMS and Institutes of National Importance (INIs)/ hospitals of Central Ministries drafted for Covid-19 related responsibilities are all included,” he added.

The minister informed that the state and UT Government will certify the eligibility for this category.